UPDATE: Gerry Rogers not seeking re-election, will resign as leader

The Labradorian

Published: Feb 12 at 11:27 a.m.

Updated: Feb 12 at 2:36 p.m.

Gerry Rogers is resigning as leader the province's NDP and won't be seeking re-election in the upcoming Newfoundland and Labrador general election. She will stay on as a leader until a new one is elected. - Joe Gibbons

The province’s New Democratic Party will be on the hunt for a new leader as it heads into this year’s general election.

St. John’s Centre MHA Gerry Rogers, who took the party reins last April following former leader Earle McCurdy’s departure, announced at Confederation Building on Tuesday morning that she would not seek re-election and will resign as the party leader.

Rogers, first elected to the House of Assembly in 2011, will stay on until a new leader is elected.

“The NDP is the party that embodies the values of fairness, justice, and equality that I believe are so important to a vital and thriving society,” Rogers stated in a release.

“We are the part that puts people at the very centre of every decision, and that is what politicians and governments must do. And I want to thank the New Democratic community for all the support and for placing their confidence in me over the years.”

NDP president Lynn Moore says Rogers work as an MHA and leader was instrumental in making lasting changes in the province and that the party will continue to look to her for guidance and assistance.

“Her initiatives in mental health and addictions, including getting all three political parties to not only sit at the same table, but to hammer out a deal, is a testament to her ability to get things done and to improve the lives of everyday citizens of our province,” Moore States.

At the press conference, Lorraine Michael, who served as party leader from 2006 to 2015, stated that she will not seek the NDP leadership but will return to seek re-election for the St. John’s East-Quidi Vidi.